Madingley, Hardwick and Toft

Twelve Spokers set out on a glorious spring morning headed for Madingley Hall, where we pulled in for refreshments. Then it was on to Hardwick and Toft, where Brian H took the photo of Jeremy (with dog on board), Guy, Hilary and Dominic.

Pausing for a breather in Toft

24 miles clockwise - 12 riders - coffee at Madingley Hall

A daffodil outing

The Thriplow Daffodil Weekend was first held in 1969; the church roof was in need of repair so the villagers decided to raise funds by opening up their gardens and selling cakes. Since then they reckon they've planted half a million bulbs and the annual, ticket-only event now attracts some 12,000 visitors. This year they've raised £80,000 for good causes - and the church roof is looking good too.

So what better time to visit Thriplow than the morning after the big event when the crowds have gone and there's an unimpeded view of the daffodils.

So it was that 13 Spokers set off from Shelford on a 25 mile jaunt taking in Duxford, Fowlmere and Melbourn - where we pulled in for refreshments at The Hub - before heading on, via Meldreth and Foxton, to Thriplow.  Pulling over to admire the daffodils, we ran into three of Brian's and Jeremy's pals, members of the Windmill Cycle Club, similarly drawn to see the blooms.

25 miles - 13 riders - coffee at Melbourn Hub

St Patrick's Day outing

Spokers re-fueling at The Station House, Histon

A chilly Monday morning saw Alan, Dominic, Eddie, Hilary, Jenny, Jim, Michael, Phil, Rich and two Brians setting off along the DNA path bound for Milton, Histon and Girton. Both Brians have Irish heritage so it was only right that one was dressed in green for the day, the other having forgotten it was St Patrick's Day!

26 miles anticlockwise from Shelford - 11 riders - coffee at The Station House, Histon

Eleven riders and a dog

Knitted postbox toppers are popping up everywhere, they even have their own Facebook page, and Newton seems to make quite a thing of it, changing the topper to suit the season. This new one features spring lambs and daffodils.

Newton's postbox, with Hilary and Brian for scale

Monday's ride was notable in several other respects. It was five years to the day since Shelford Spokes' first outing. Secondly, we were delighted to be joined by new members, Michele and Michael. Finally, and another first for the club, a little dog came along for the ride - Jeremy's Tarka.

Jeremy - with Tarka in tow

22 miles - 11 riders - coffee at Hot Numbers